Last week marked a significant milestone for the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA) team as we took our breast cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) awareness campaign to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). RDB, a key government agency responsible for the attraction, retention, and facilitation of investment in Rwanda’s economy, is at the forefront of transforming Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. A momentous partnership Engaging with an institution of RDB’s stature is a tremendous accomplishment for BCIEA. By integrating our ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign within RDB, we are not only reaching out to the heart of Rwanda’s economic engine but also extending our message to a wider audience that includes national and international stakeholders. The power of awareness The event was a resounding success. Our small team was warmly welcomed by RDB’s leadership and employees, who demonstrated eagerness and enthusiasm in learning about breast cancer and other NCDs. The interactive training session and open discussions highlighted the importance of self-awareness, early detection, and proactive health management. It was particularly gratifying to see participants express their commitment to sharing this knowledge with their families and colleagues. It was evident that using visuals in public health campaigns simplifies complex information, captures attention, transcends language barriers, and motivates behavioral change, making critical health messages more accessible and memorable. The audience learned about: Health challenges in Rwanda and what BCIEA is doing to address them what breast cancer and Non Communicable Diseases are Risk factors, how the risk can be reduced Signs and symptoms What they can do to reduce their risk for cancer and NCDs Importance of early detection, prevention and control of cancer and NCDs. Importance of engagement in the efforts to fight cancer and NCDs Comprehensive screening A key highlight of the day was the Clinical Breast Exams (CBE) conducted by our trained nurses. A total of 53 employees underwent screening, and two suspicious cases were identified and referred for further testing. This underscores the critical importance of early detection and proactive health measures. Leveraging our slogan Our campaign slogan, ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ (Love Yourself, Know Yourself, Get Checked), has been brought to life through our trilingual poster, endorsed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). The powerful imagery and clear messages in English, Kinyarwanda, and French resonate deeply with diverse audiences, ensuring that our message is both inclusive and far-reaching. It was reinforced by BCIEA’s Song that aims at teaching women to practice Early Detection through performing monthly Breast Self-Exam (BSE): “Suzuma Amabere Yawe,” (check your breasts monthly), performed by BCIEA Founder and Co-Founder. RDB’s commitment We are excited and proud to announce that RDB has graciously accepted to display our campaign poster in prominent spaces within their offices. This act of support signifies a commitment to public health promotion and reinforces the importance of health awareness in the workplace. By displaying this poster, RDB is not only promoting a culture of health and well-being among its employees but also extending this vital message to their customers and visitors. Partnering with RDB is a huge accomplishment for BCIEA. It validates our mission and amplifies our efforts to create a healthier Rwanda. RDB’s endorsement and willingness to pass on our message significantly bolster our campaign, encouraging other institutions to follow suit. This collaboration exemplifies how public health initiatives can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of national development and economic growth. Clarion call: We urge all employers at both urban and rural workplaces to join us in this crucial endeavor. By embracing the ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign and displaying our RBC-endorsed poster, on prominent surfaces in the buildings or buses and vehicles you can play a pivotal role in promoting health awareness and early detection of cancer and NCDs. Together, we can create a culture of proactive health management that empowers individuals and strengthens our communities. Take home lesson The event at RDB is more than just a successful outreach; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and the impact of awareness in transforming lives. We thank RDB for their support and look forward to continued partnerships that advance our mission. Let’s continue to love ourselves, know ourselves, and get checked. Empowered people make informed decisions about their health. The desired outcome of making decisions is improved individual well-being and longevity, which collectively enhances public health, reduces healthcare costs, boosts productivity, and fosters economic growth, leading to a healthier and more prosperous country. For more information about our campaign or to join us in this vital journey, please contact us at info@breastcancerafrica.org +250781278312 ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ – Love Yourself, Know Yourself, Get Checked. The writer is a breast cancer survivor and the founder and CEO of Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa.
